THISDAY Alumni Association [TAA], on Saturday night, December 14, 2024, continued its unique and trail-blazing initiative of honouring its members for their various contributions by conferring different awards on thirty deserving members.
The members, including the publisher and editor-in-chief of THE CONCLAVE online newspaper, Mr Sufuyan Ojeifo, were recognised on the occasion of the association’s end-of-year party that was held virtually [via zoom].
The association conferred on Ojeifo the “Most Philanthropic Award.” In a short speech, Ojeifo said: “What have I got to say other than to just appreciate the committee saddled with the responsibility of recommending award recipients for considering me worthy of this honour? I never really knew that I have been remarkably supportive of the association in the way and manner the news of the award was conveyed to me. Now that I know that the little that I had done had been counted for something and appreciated, all that I have to do is to double down on the spirit behind the little, and pray that the Almighty God provides the WAY and the WILL to consummate future critical support for the association. I dedicate this award to my four wonderful children. I thank you all for the award. God bless.”
Other awardees who were in attendance to receive their awards included Alhaji Nuhu Musa [Champion of Champions Award], Mrs Juliana Obalonye [Mobilizer of the Year Award], Mr Lucky Fiakpa [Most Engaging Award], Mr Oji Onoko [Most Philosophical Award], Ms Bunmi Awonaya [Most Sociable Award], Mr Stanley Nkwazema [Long Service Award], Mrs Jessica Ojie-Humphrey [Hot & Cold Award], Mrs Shade Mokuolu [Most Supportive Award], Godwin Haruna, PhD [Most Courteous Award] and Alhaji Hammed Akewusola [Servant Leader of the Year Ward].
It was the second time the Association had recognised its members, the first being last year when 15 persons were honoured by the association made up of well over 240 registered members.
The awardees were selected by a committee chaired by Anne Damisa, PhD, and had as members Ibiso Dakoru, Sunny Hughes, Bimbo Akosile, and Frank Kintum.
At Saturday’s event, post-humous awards were conferred on colleagues at THISDAY who had passed.
Some of them as announced on the occasion included Folabi Lawal, Ken Tadaferua, Dan Unimna, Samuel Famakinwa, Labake Yembra, Iyefu Adoba, Funso Muraina, Imoukhuede Ogunleye, Andrews Jayeola, Emeka Enechi, Tunmise Adekunle, Josephine Lohor, Peter Umar Omale, Moruff Alli, and Wale Oladepo. A minute silence was also observed in their memory.
The association also celebrated with members who had near death experiences in the last one to two years. Prayers of thanksgiving were offered for them and some dance to boot.
Those in this category included Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, Mr Steve Omanufeme, and Mr Andy Ekugo, among others.
Chairperson of the End-of-year Party and awards presentation, Dr Damisa thanked Exco members, Board of Trustees, and entire membership for their commitment to the aims and objectives of the association.
She said, ” On behalf of THISDAY Alumni Association, I thank you all for your labour of love. We have always received your financial support as well prayers and encouragement. This is also to announce the 30th anniversary of THISDAY which comes up in January 2025 and to urge all of us to fully participate as members of the THISDAY family in the TAA for a successful celebration.”
Vote of thanks was given by Ibiso Dakoru while Christian opening and Muslim closing prayers were offered by Shade Mokuolu and Hammed Akewusola respectively.
Thereafter, the dance floor was thrown open for body gyration that lasted for about 20 minutes, and thereafter, the curtains were drawn.
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